Join acclaimed musical artist Denise Pelley, accompanied by Stephen Holowitz, for a powerful lecture-and-listen experience inside the historic AME Church at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.

This fifth edition of the Fanshawe Village series highlights the lives and contributions of two remarkable Black Canadians:

Salome Bey – pioneering singer, songwriter, and “Canada’s First Lady of Blues”

Lawrence Hill – celebrated author of The Book of Negroes

🔎 Why do some places vanish while others endure? Join us to explore how geography, transportation, industry, and timing shaped the fate of Middlesex County’s lost communities—and what their stories still tell us today. In this illustrated and engaging talk, local historian Jennifer Grainger explores the rise and fall of these vanished villages. Drawing on maps, photographs, land records, and archaeological clues, she traces where these communities were located, how historians and genealogists research them today, and what—if anything—remains on the landscape.

Join us for our Annual St. Mary’s Service at one of Middlesex County’s most treasured historic landmarks, lovingly preserved since the 1840s.

Built of local walnut—generously donated by Captain Christopher Beer, who even postponed building his own home to support the church—St. Mary’s stands as a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and community vision. Although regular services ended in 1920, the tradition of gathering here has continued for over a century.

Step into a miniature world where imagination meets historical curiosity. Steve Robson will guide visitors through the creative process of using LEGO-style bricks to reconstruct scenes from small towns — whether rooted in historical accuracy, modern-day reflections, or imaginative blends of different eras.

This hands-on approach to local history brings buildings and streetscapes to life, offering a playful yet thoughtful lens on how communities grow and change over time. Attendees will discover how anyone can begin exploring small-town design — choosing a place, picking an era (or mixing a few!), and recreating it one brick at a time.

Early announcement — details are still being confirmed. Please check back here and visit the Celebrate Community Committee Southwest Middlesex Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cccswm for updates.

Have you ever been to a powwow? A Powwow is a living celebration of Indigenous culture — a gathering of song, dance, community, tradition, and connection that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Expect spirited drumming, colourful regalia, dancing competitions, and vendors showcasing traditional crafts and foods.

September 25, 26, 2026.  Fair weekend. Go to Glencoe Fair site: https://glencoefair.ca/ The Society always has a booth at the Glencoe Fair staffed by historians Harold Carruthers, Norm McGill and […]

With Ken Beecroft & Gerry Cross September 30, 2026 · 7:00–8:30 pm · Online via Zoom The Glencoe & District Historical Society invites you to a special online event celebrating […]

Valrita Fournier is a multi-talented playwright, poet, mystic, novelist, composer, and master of ceremonies. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in English Language and Literature, she won first prize in a one-act play competition with her comedic work Eggs-Actly My Dear!.

Though not a musician by training, Valrita has organized musical and theatrical events at numerous venues including Place Concorde, Mackenzie Hall, WEDS Theatre, church halls, wedding stages, and even a Women’s Day whiskey-tasting book talk at a distillery restaurant.

https://learningbird.com/treaties-recognition-week-2025/